This is gruesome and spooky and interesting! There's a lot of interesting commentary. It is quite underdeveloped though.

I really enjoyed this: body horror galore, strong cult vibes, and absolutely incredible art! What's not to love? Sure, the story might have been longer and more detailed, but the impact was terrific, disturbing, and memorable nevertheless. It felt like a great short story, or a short movie, where only the necessary information is provided and the viewers have to contribute some of the context themselves. Sometimes the art gets so good you really need to put the comic aside and allow the pleasure to set in. For that reason, perhaps 'Invasive' is better read in small doses, safe that the entire volume is available, as there are lots of gruesome twists and gory scenes to be appreciated in their own pace. Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for the chance of an early read. All opinions are my own.

I thought I would enjoy this book from the cover graphics and description; however, I was disappointed. The story plot ended too quickly and didn't make a lot of sense overall. The graphics were the best part of the book; however, they could not save the weak storyline. Therefore, I cannot recommend this book.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The art is very good, I turned the pages and looked at the ghoulish side of society in the form of beauty treatments, however the writing was lacking. Page 2 is full of the clichés of thriller mystery's and I have to say I was left disappointed by the story. Unfortunately due to this the art suffered.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for sending me this arc.
This was a good quick little read with plenty of gore. The artwork I though was great but just wish the plot had a bit more to it.

Some great body-horror art but the story itself felt so bland. You don't know anything about the characters beyond surface level stuff, the crime itself seems shallow, there's not even a lot of detective work that goes on, besides the typical end there's no twists or red herrings. Unfortunately fell flat where it counts the most.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

I'm a sucker for a horror mystery that inevitably finds its way into an abandoned building, bonus points if it houses a masked slasher. So it's no surprise that I had fun with this one.

With Invasive, Cullen carves out a twisted mystery that follows an epidemic of voluntary mutilation sweeping the area, and the places this story goes are bloody and mean. A highlight here is Dan Jackson's colors, be it the green glow of a patient monitor in a dark hospital, or the punchy reds of the villains' glowing eyes, Dan's colors made for some haunting frames.

While I think the bones of the grizzly story all work for me, the last two issues speed to a conclusion that did not feel earned. Revelations and motives felt flat, and climactic beats felt shocking for shock's sake.

In the end, I'd still recommend diving in. From the effective art and gnarly story beats, there's a lot to cut into.

Stars just for the art style — eerie and gory and fit the scenario. the rest didn’t live up to the art.
I felt like I was thrown into the middle of a series, no beginning no ending, no actual world-building to guide me.
The premise has potential, but it needs work and depth. This is a great teaser for something more, because that’s what it is. A snippet of what could be an interesting comic.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

This is the first comic I’ve ever read
It was interesting and different i actually enjoyed the lay out and the plot
Will definitely be looking at reading more

This was a really interesting graphic novel. It was dark and had a great dark and bleak ending which I really enjoyed. I also liked the art style. It was gritty and dark without being ugly the way so many are. I did find the characters to be a bit flat and thats why I'm not giving this a higher rating.

I think this book had some good ideas, but needed more issues to really explore them. The finale felt incredibly rushed and character betrayals and twists felt completely unmotivated. The best part for me was the covers - incredibly dark and gory.

Invasive is going to ruin your appetite!

Invasive taps into a disgusting and terrifying part of the world. Surgery and those addicted to cosmetic surgery. This horror graphic novel took my brain to some terrifying places and I found myself having to put this story down from time to time so I could get the images out of my head.

Cullen Bunn has done it again by crafting another horrifying adventure that readers are going to love! And the ending is one that readers won’t see coming!

Interesting concept and execution but I wasn't wowed by the art style and the ending was... yeah. Fair enough for such a short graphic novel though I guess.

Dr. Reynolds and Detective Hudgens team up to solve the mystery surrounding victims who are undergoing illegal surgeries, leaving them mutilated and some dead.

I’m not a huge fan of the art but I do think it fits well with the story itself, especially the way the people in the support groups look.

This had a good premise but the execution and speed in which it was told just felt rushed right up to the end.

Thank you NetGalley and to Oni Press for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Invasive is an incredibly gruesome and gory graphic novel with incredible art work and a gripping, twisted storyline. I personally really enjoyed this one and will be keeping an eye out for anymore to come in this series!

Invasive is a disturbing story that explores the terrifying dark world of surgical addiction and the lengths some will go to push the boundaries of medical ethics. Set in a city where a new underground hospital has just opened its doors, Invasive introduces us to a group of rogue surgeons who have taken it upon themselves to pierce the final threshold of accepted medical orthodoxy. They are ready to break every taboo and rule in the book.

Dr. Carrie Reynolds was a veteran trauma surgeon with a godlike mastery of muscle and bone. But outside the operating room, her rigidly ordered life spiraled into chaos when her daughter, Heather-a recovering plastic surgery addict-suddenly disappeared, only to mysteriously reemerge in a catatonic state, her vocal cords removed . . . the latest in a series of victims scarred by a battery of brazenly cruel medical procedures that have baffled police and left an alarming number of once-ordinary citizens maimed, mutilated, or dead on arrival.

Deep beneath the streets of Carrie's city, a new kind of underground hospital has just opened its doors...and, once inside, there are no rules, no oaths, and no taboos too deep to not to be broken. Together, a new class of surgeon has sworn to pierce the final threshold of accepted medical orthodoxy one incision at a time. The scalpel is their tool. The alleys are their operating theater. Murder is their medicine. And only Carrie can stop what they're planning next...

Not for the faint of heart, the graphic nature of each page will make some squirm, but also highlights the dangers of pursuing perfection at any cost. The overall theme of surgical addiction is something we don't see often in the pages of a horror comic, but somehow Eisner-nominated writer Cullen Bunn and artists Jesus Hervás and Federico Sabbatini nailed it.

Invasive introduces us to a new class of surgeon that will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. With a complex storyline, the stakes are high, and every page turn brings new revelations that keep readers guessing about what will happen next. Invasive's pacing of the spot on, drawing readers deeper into its unsettling world with each passing page.

In addition to a stellar plot, Invasive features stunning artwork from Hervás that brings to love a nightmarish world. Jesus' illustrations capture gruesome details of the surgical world while creating a dark and eerie atmosphere of fear and unease that permeates every panel. The muted shadows and colors add to the overall sense of dread, making Invasive visually attractive in such a creepy way. Something that will haunt readers well after turning the final page.

Invasive is a great blend of horror, suspense, tension and mystery. A truly unsettling story by Cullen Bunn, Jesus Hervás and Federico Sabbatini and it is no wonder the series was a 2023 National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award Comics Finalist. This tale pushes boundaries and challenges conventions is horrifying in all the right ways.

Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for offering an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I usually don't read graphic novels, but the cover and title of this book drew me in. I am an avid horror movie and book fan, the more gore the better, so I knew I would end up liking this book.

I loved the art style and the gore, although honestly there probably could have been more gore shown - I think this would have helped the plot overall. I do feel like the plot could have been driven out into more detail. I would have loved to see some of the backstory on the mother/surgeon. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it isn't something I would read again.

Invasive by Cullen Burn, Jesus Hervas, and Federico Sabbatini
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 22 October 2024

“Invasive” marks my debut into the world of graphic novels, and what an introduction it was. This horror-themed work seamlessly blends a gripping narrative with striking visuals, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the final page.

The story follows Dr. Carrie Reynolds, a skilled trauma surgeon whose life unravels when her daughter, Heather, becomes the latest victim in a series of disturbing medical crimes. The plot's premise is both chilling and intriguing, touching on themes of medical ethics, family bonds, and the dark underbelly of urban life.

As a newcomer to graphic novels, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible the format was. The storytelling flows effortlessly, with the narrative and illustrations working in perfect harmony. The artwork is particularly noteworthy, capturing the grim atmosphere of the story with a mix of shadowy cityscapes and visceral medical imagery. The artists have done an excellent job of conveying emotion and tension through their illustrations, enhancing the horror elements of the story.

The pacing of “Invasive” is well-executed, maintaining a sense of urgency that keeps the pages turning. The balance between dialogue, narration, and purely visual storytelling is skilfully managed, allowing readers to become fully engrossed in Dr. Reynolds' desperate search for answers and justice.

While I can't compare this to other graphic novels, as a fan of horror literature, I found that the visual medium added a new dimension to the genre. The ability to see the horrors unfold, rather than just imagine them, created a more immediate and visceral experience. The graphic nature of some scenes might be unsettling for some readers, but it feels appropriate given the medical horror theme.

The character development, particularly of Dr. Reynolds, is impressive given the constraints of the format. Her internal struggle between her professional detachment and maternal instincts adds depth to the story, making her a relatable protagonist despite the extraordinary circumstances.

One minor critique is that some secondary characters felt underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. However, this doesn't significantly detract from the overall narrative.

“Invasive” proves to be an ideal entry point for those new to graphic novels. Its compact format makes for a perfect evening read, offering a complete and satisfying story in a single sitting. The blend of medical thriller and horror elements creates a unique narrative that should appeal to fans of both genres.

In conclusion, this graphic novel has not only entertained me but also piqued my interest in exploring more works in this medium. For horror enthusiasts looking to branch out into graphic novels, or for graphic novel fans seeking a chilling medical thriller, “Invasive” comes highly recommended. It's a testament to the power of visual storytelling in the horror genre, proving that sometimes, what you see can be far more terrifying than what you imagine.


Thank you so much to NetGalley, One Press, and the authors/illustrators, Cullen Burn, Jesus Hervas, and Federico Sabbatini, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for offering an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Invasive did not move me. It felt like a moment to be as gory as possible without anything at stake. I get the critique it was making over plastic surgery. But in the end, it just fell flat. The only pro of this comic was the art. Jesus Hervas and Federico Sabbatini outdid themselves with the illustrations.